Celebrity Photographer Shares His Best Tips for Stunning Wedding Pics (Exclusive)

When planning a wedding, couples often put a lot of focus into details like the food or the fashion. However, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is the photography.

Wedding photos preserve the memories of that special day for years to come and help tell a story, from the faces of all the loved ones who showed up to celebrate to the many personal touches that made the event unique to the couple.

So it’s not only important to hire a skilled photographer with an expertise in weddings, but to carefully plan and communicate your wishes for your wedding-day photos. This ensures that brides and grooms can enjoy their wedding experience with the confidence that their photographer has everything well in hand and is capturing all of those unforgettable moments as they happen.

Here, celebrity photographer Stanley Babb — whose famous clients include Olympian Simone Biles, NBA star Draymond Green and Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Porsha Williams among others— shares his top tips for guaranteeing you’ll have an album full of stunning photos after your big day.

Trust the Expert

Thanks to smartphone cameras, everyone is an amateur photographer these days. But when it comes to capturing one of the biggest days of your life, you want to leave the job in the hands of the expert. Not to mention, you’re paying your photographer to focus on the photos so you can be fully present in the moment.

“Your photographer is there to document your special day, so trust their expertise,” Babb says. “Avoid trying to dictate every setup, and let them work their magic. They know what they are doing and will ensure you have stunning photos to cherish for a lifetime.”

Communication Is Key

Every client is different and every wedding is unique, so Babb stresses the importance of keeping an open, honest dialogue with your photographer. This ensures that everything goes smoothly on the day and the couple is left with photos they’ll cherish for years to come.

“Communication with your photographer is essential, especially before the big day,” Babb tells PEOPLE. “Make sure to share any specific requests or preferences you have for your wedding photos. Discussing the timeline and schedule in advance can also help ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.”

Hire Wedding Professionals

Often, brides and grooms will hire their friends or photographers who might not have much experience shooting weddings. If you want quality photos, you need to work with a seasoned photographer who knows the ins and outs of capturing weddings.

“By entrusting your special day to wedding professionals, you can have peace of mind knowing that every detail will be handled with care and precision, leaving you to fully enjoy your day. This allows you to fully be present in the moment,” Babb says.

Be Mindful of Time Management

Weddings can be a whirlwind for brides and grooms, so it’s important that photo sessions — whether as a couple or with larger groups — are carefully planned and timed.

“Effective time management is crucial on the wedding day to capture stunning photos. Ensure that you have enough time allocated for the portraits, as well as other important events such as the ceremony and reception,” Babb notes. “Discuss with your planner and photographer beforehand to create a realistic timeline that will allow for all of the necessary shots to be taken without feeling rushed.”

Be Yourself

“The most beautiful wedding photos are those that capture authentic emotions and personalities,” Babb says. “Allow yourself to relax and be in the moment, and let your photographer capture you and your loved one’s natural chemistry.”

The more relaxed and natural you are, the better the photos will turn out.

“Don’t worry about posing or trying to look perfect; simply be yourself, and your photos will reflect the true essence of your special day,” Babb adds.

Location, Location, Location

Carefully choose the backdrops for your wedding photos. “Location plays a vital role,” Babb explains. “Whether it’s a beautiful garden or a historic landmark, choosing the right location can make all the difference in capturing breathtaking shots.”

Pay Attention to Details

Wedding photography is about much more than just portraits. It also tells the story of your wedding, including all the little details that make it special and unique.

“Make sure to share with your photographer the important aspects of your dress, accessories, decorations, and those charming, small moments that make your celebration truly special,” Babb advises. “These photos are very important with your memories of the day.”

Consider a Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot

Just as some couples rehearse their wedding ceremony, Babb also recommends doing a dry run of the wedding photo shoot.

“This allows you and your partner to get comfortable in front of the camera and can help you to understand the photographer’s style. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for you to express your love story in a more personal and relaxed setting,” he explains, noting that it’s also a chance for the couple and the photographer to connect and build a relationship.